"The personal attention that I receive at HPU is unlike any other. Through small classes I have been able to establish life-long relationships with my professors. No matter if you're in a class with 25 students or a class with just 7 students, the professors ensure your success."

Department of Theatre to Perform Retelling of Classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales with ‘Into the Woods’

HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 30, 2013 – The High Point University Theatre Department will host “Into the Woods,” a brilliant musical retelling of the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Stephen Sondheim and written by James Lapine. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-16, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 in the Pauline Theatre of the Hayworth Fine Arts Center. It is open to the public, and tickets are available to purchase.

“Into the Woods,” which won the Tony for Best Musical in 1989, is an exciting adult retelling of familiar fairy tales that features a contemporary twist, looking at what happens the day after “happily ever after.” Classic characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and more are faced with the fact that they’re still missing something; they’re still wishing for more.

“The musical truly has a beautiful, complex score with fun characters and is surprisingly thoughtful,” says Ed Simpson, chair of the Department of Theatre and director of the production. “You’re telling stories that everyone knows. Then the story takes a twist and we see unpleasant things happen. It mirrors real life in that there are always challenges, difficulties and defeats. But ultimately, the musical is very positive. The idea is that no one is alone; you get through the hard times and persevere.”

“The entire production is a brilliant musical, one that I first directed about 11 years ago,” Simpson adds. “There are few musicals as difficult as this one, but it’s dense and intelligent. To be able to sing and act puts quite a demand on the students; we’re training them to do extremely challenging pieces. We want our audience to have a good time, but also learn from the performance’s useful message.”

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for students and $3 for children 12 and under. Those interested in purchasing tickets may contact the HPU Box Office at Hayworth Fine Arts Center at 336-841-4673.